When you want to get a dog, it always helps to find a breed that makes you happy. For many dog owners, that might include looking at hound dogs. Hound dogs are very popular and for most potential dog owners they make the most obvious starting place. However, one thing to note is that there is more than one type of hound dog. In fact, you will need to evaluate a wide range of hound dog breeds.
Hound dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and there are some breeds that are naturally going to be more popular than others. With that in mind, what are some of the most beloved hound dog breeds?
What is a hound dog?
Hound dogs are typically dogs with a history of being used to hunt and track down other animals. They could be used for catching everything from rare birds to games. These particular dog types are recognized as they can be very effective hunters. They know what to look out for, and they know how to push to find their prey when needed. Hound dogs, then, come with a very long history of being used in the hunting world.
However, that does not mean that every hound dog you meet is going to be bred purely for the act of hunting. Indeed, many act in other ways in life – they might spend a lot of their time around families. Hunting is a less common profession, if you will, for many dogs today. Even breeds made for hunting, as most hound dog breeds are, are not always going to be used for that purpose in the modern world.
With that in mind, you should try and remember that your typical hound dog is not going to be out hunting anymore. However, they still carry the incredible hunting and tracking senses of their ancestors. This means that you need to get used to hound dogs being high-energy, outwardly mobile dogs who want to be adventurous. Try and lock up a hound dog in the house, and you will probably find they do not enjoy themselves one bit!
So, which hound dog breeds should you try to better understand?
The most popular hound dog breeds
American Foxhound
The first of the hound dog breeds on our list is the American Foxhound. This is a very popular breed of dog for various reasons, mainly because they have wonderful behavioral instincts. If you need a dog around the place that isn’t going to cause havoc, then you should definitely take a closer look at this particular breed.
They make it easy to spend time around with the family, and they are one of the best hound dog breeds for those who want a domesticated, home-friendly pet. However, they do need lots of exercises, as all hound dog breeds will.
English Foxhound
Another breed of dog that gets a lot of interest and intrigue from pet owners would be the English Foxhound. Similar to the above in some ways, their lovable faces and their generally charming nature make these excellent dogs spend time around. They are cousins to the above and they do have some similarities.
An ideal family pet for the most part, these pack-hunting dogs need to have other dogs in their life because they can become quite lonely if they are left on their lonesome. Lots of exercises is needed, too, so be prepared!
Beagle
The beautiful Beagle is one of the best hound dog breeds out there for those who want a happy, endearing family dog. Beagles are very easy to spend time around, and they can be tremendous for a long-term companion. While they are natural hunters, Beagles are not a breed with an ounce of aggression in their body unless they absolutely must act out.
They will love you and your family very quickly so long as you treat them right. Beagles can be quite eager to please, though, so just be aware they need lots of positive reinforcement.
Dachshund
Among the most popular hound dog breeds out there would be the Dachshund. They are very popular dogs as a family pet, and they tend to be very easy to spend time around.
One of the most common reasons for this dog, though, would be their use as a show dog. They tend to be very good for tricks and for appealing to the younger members of the family. However, their elongated necks mean that some Dachshunds will run into skeletal issues with their neck later on in life. Generally, though, they are very easy dogs to have around the family.
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is an increasingly popular hound dog breed that many choose for its natural size. Though they are still more commonly used for hunting than other breeds, they are regarded for their wonderful sense of smell. This makes them commonly used in law enforcement activity and for hunting larger animals that might be hard to track.
They are great pets, though, and should be ideal to have around kids and younger members of the family. You should have nothing to worry about when you have a Bloodhound. They are ideal for those new to owning pets, also.
Norwegian Elkhound
One of the more abstract options for a dog out there would be the Norwegian Elkhound. They tend to be excellent dogs to spend time with, and they can also be quite similar to a Husky in some of their attitudes. They are noted as being among the most intelligent dogs on the list and tend to be very fun to be around for the children.
However, they do need early socialization or they can become tough aggressive, and moody. Get them around people from a young age, though, and this could become your ideal choice of a hound dog.
Portuguese Podengo
A very interesting breed of dog, if somewhat rarer than other hound dog breeds, would be the Portuguese Podengo. These dogs draw a lot of interest from pet owners as they are quite specific in their look and their general nature. They are lively and they are fun, but they can be quite independent dogs so you might need to be a bit more experienced as a dog owner before you decide to bring one of these into your life.
Loving family dogs, your main concern might be that they can be overly cautious with new people. Get over that, though, and these make wonderful companions
Coonhound
The Coonhound is growing in popularity among hound dog breeds for those who want a more athletic dog. They are built to hunt and thus they need lots of exercise on a daily basis to keep them happy. Fail to give them enough of a workout and you can find that most Coonhounds can become a touch moody.
They prefer to run, so this is a good choice of the dog if you happen to want to go on a run as opposed to a more leisurely stroll overall.
Basset Hound
Another option would be the wonderful and arguably quite famous Basset hound. These are very popular canines for numerous reasons, not least the fact have such an instantly recognizable look and personality. They are very recognizable thanks to their large ears and their distinctive look and body shape. However, one thing to note about this particular breed of canine is that they can be excellent as a dog of choice for total newbies.
If you have never owned a dog before, owning a Basset hound is one of the best breeds that you could choose to bring into your household.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Growing in popularity among owners of hound dog breeds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very common choice today. Their immense strength puts them above most other dogs on this list. They can be quite hard to get to listen to at first, though, as they have a very independent nature. Also, their natural prey drive is massive and thus it is not uncommon to find a Rhodesian Ridgeback tearing away to chase prey of some kind.
If you can control those urges and get through to them in training, though, these easily make one of the best breeds around.
Saluki
The Saluki has become very popular with people looking for a very specific kind of dog. They are absolutely rapid, and they need an owner with experience and an athletic lifestyle to thrive. They are not suitable for life in an enclosed space; you need plenty of room outdoors to keep a Saluki happy.
If you can give them that extra space, though, there is absolutely no reason why you cannot enjoy having one of these in your life. Highly enjoyable, satisfying dogs that retain discipline when leashed. Take it off the leash at your peril, though!
Whippet
One of the most commonly found hound dog breeds around is the Whippet. They are strong, powerful, and engaging dogs that can make up lots of ground in a short space of time. They can be a bit like a Greyhound (see below), but they are not quite as energetic. Their quiet nature means you might find they are as happy to relax and go for a nap as they are to charge off and go for a run somewhere.
They do love to go for a chase, though, so make sure you are cautious when you take it off the leash as they might be attracted to nearby prey.
Black Mouth Cur
While it might not sound like the best of hound dog breeds, these are very popular with high-energy dog owners. They are still commonly used in the hunting game and can also be seen in workplaces quite a lot. They are hard-working dogs who are known for being very good for families as they can be very happy to please owners.
Therefore, this particular breed of dog can become a fine choice if you want a canine with a bit of personality who can also be very easy to form a lasting, meaningful bond with long-term.
Treeing Cur
Another Cur breed to look into for some people would be the Treeing Cur. This breed of dog has many fans as it can be quite fun to spend time around for families. They are extremely loyal and their history as herding and hunting dogs make them quite athletic dogs. While they might not be the most beautiful dogs in the world, the Treeing Cur is a dog that tends to be very busy.
It is hard to find a set ‘look’ for this breed of dog, though; one cur can look totally different from one to the next.
Basset Griffon
While maybe not among the most commonly found hound dog breeds, they are very popular with those who choose to own one. They tend to make wonderful hunting dogs and they can have a habit of being friendly to more or less anyone they meet. That natural positive and kind nature makes them tremendous dogs to have in your life – especially if you have other dogs, or live in a place with lots of dogs.
The Basset Griffon needs a lot of exercises, though, so be prepared to commit to that to keep them happy and satisfied.
Afghan Hounds
Rising in popularity in the world of hound dog breeds, the Afghan Hound is beloved by many dog owners. They are noted for their interesting long coats, and they tend to be very intelligent dogs to spend time around. They do need a lot of coat maintenance, but if you can give the dog that then you should have no problem keeping them in a good mood.
They are good for those with allergies, as while not hypoallergenic fully they are definitely less prone to problems like this than you might have expected. An excellent dog choice overall.
Greyhound
What list of the best hound dog breeds would be complete without the humble Greyhound?
Noted mostly for their immense running ability and stamina, Greyhounds are ideal for those who are very active. If you tend to sit around the house after work, and only go for the odd walk, though, having a Greyhound is not for you whatsoever. They need energy, they need competition, and they need to be given things to do. With massive energy amounts to work through, you need to be willing to give your Greyhound as much exercise as you can fit in each day.
Irish Wolfhound
While not the most common of hound dog breeds, they are very popular for those who do manage to find one. Irish Wolfhounds are very strong dogs, and they tend to have a lot of people wanting to own one because they look so strong. Indeed, they were previously used in wars to drag people off horseback and even chariots – weak and easy to boss around, they most definitely are not!
This breed of dog can be great for anyone who has lots of room, but if you live in an enclosed space you should look for a different breed.
Basenji
The Basenji is growing in popularity and is commonly used in the hunting world even today. they are commonly used for flushing out smaller animals, but they can also be ideal for hunting and dealing with rodents in and around your property.
They are fun and endearing dogs, but they also tend to be very friendly. If you want a dog who you know you can spend time around and who will take to training, you should get a Basenji. However, like most other breeds on this list, they can have some pretty extreme exercise demands you need to meet.
Pharaoh Hound
The last dog to make our list is the beloved Pharaoh Hound. They are very strong and dependable dogs, and their unique look makes them very popular with people looking for a distinctive canine. They can be quite goofy, though, despite looking very serious most of the time. They love to be the joker and thus if you have a group of people in they might try and go overboard in a bid to impress and get laughs.
Generally, though, the Pharaoh Hound is a tremendous choice for those who want a loyal breed at home.
Which hound dog breed is right for you?
Take a look at the above and you should find it a bit easier to get to grips with your choice of breed. The numerous variety of hound dog breeds out there means that you should never feel like you are limited in terms of selection.
Review each breed yourself, look into their characteristics and costs on a more personal level, and make your decision. The right hound dog breeds are out there for everyone; you just need to evaluate each breed depending on your lifestyle!